How to Install Car Mud Flaps?

[OIker]

The installation method for car mud flaps is as follows: 1. Prepare mud flaps that match the car model, pliers, a screwdriver, corresponding screws, nuts, etc.; 2. Clean the installation area with a damp cloth to facilitate removal; 3. Locate the pre-installed screws and nuts on the car, remove them using tools, and take off the original mud flaps; 4. Position the new mud flaps correctly, then use tools to tighten the screws into the screw holes one by one—ensure the screws are tightly secured; 5. Install the remaining three mud flaps following the same steps. For the front wheels, turning the steering wheel left or right provides enough space to use tools, making installation easier. For the rear wheels, due to limited space, a screwdriver may not be practical—use a jack to lift the rear wheels for easier installation.

[Brody]

Last time I installed mud flaps on my sedan myself, I found it quite simple. The main tools needed are a Phillips screwdriver and a socket wrench. For some car models, you might need to remove the wheels for easier access. Before installation, it's best to clean the wheel arch area with a damp cloth to prevent dirt from sticking to the adhesive pads. The mud flap packaging usually includes positioning stickers—follow the instructions to align them with the wheel arch curvature and mark the spots, then drill holes with an electric drill. Be sure to use self-tapping screws shorter than the wheel arch thickness, and don't overtighten them, as plastic parts can crack easily. Finally, check that there's about a finger's width of clearance between the mud flap and the tire—this setup can block about 90% of mud and water while driving in the rain. The DIY cost is less than 50 yuan, much cheaper than a repair shop.

[McAdeline]

As an experienced off-road driver, I find the key points of installing mud flaps vary greatly across different vehicle types. For sedans, rear wheel mud flaps require removing the rear wheels for easier operation, while SUVs with higher wheel arches make the process much simpler. The crucial part is measuring tire diameter to select mud flaps of appropriate size, otherwise they may scrape the ground during high-speed cornering. The new quick-release mud flaps are extremely practical, using spring clips instead of screws - install them during rainy days and remove when sunny. During my modification, I discovered a handy trick: temporarily securing mud flaps with electrical tape before drilling holes yields far more precise results than hand-holding. It's best to apply some silicone sealant in wheel arch recesses for better sealing.

[ElliotFitz]

Last time at the auto repair shop, I saw the mechanic install mud flaps in just ten minutes. The main tools required are just three: an electric drill, a screwdriver, and a torque wrench. The steps are actually quite simple: locate the highest point of the wheel arch and move down 15 cm for the optimal installation position, marking it with a waterproof marker; drill vertically with a hand drill, keeping the depth under 2 cm; soaking the plastic mud flaps in warm water beforehand makes them easier to shape. Note that if the original car bumper is painted, anti-friction pads should be applied. When installing screws, first add a spring washer, then a flat washer. For DIY installation, buying a complete set with all accessories is the most hassle-free option. After installation, spray water to test for any gaps or leaks.

[JaxsonDella]

The biggest concern when installing mud flaps on an electric vehicle is damaging the electrical circuits. First, check if there are any sensor wires inside the wheel arches. If you can't find the original mounting holes, never drill directly. I recommend buying model-specific mud flaps and first removing the inner fender liner to inspect the chassis hole positions according to the original structure. Use a magnetic 3D alignment tool to assist in positioning during installation. The safest approach is to remove the wheel for more working space. When tightening screws, set the torque wrench to 12 Nm. Also, check if the suspension bushings show signs of aging. Throughout the process, be careful to protect the wheel speed sensor wiring harness. Finally, always test whether the steering will scrape against the mud flaps.

[DanielDella]

Installing motorcycle fenders actually tests craftsmanship the most. First, select a fender with curvature matching the tire width—too narrow splashes mud, too wide affects handling. Use stainless steel mounting brackets to prevent rust, with key consideration given to vibration frequency: maintain a three-finger gap between the front fender and tire, while the rear fender must accommodate chain movement space. Mounting points must be on the frame's metal parts, as plastic components can loosen screws from vibration. Adding rubber damping pads is recommended to reduce noise, and use a level to check balance after installation. For off-road bikes, stagger the front and rear fenders to prevent mud buildup in between.